South Korea opens its free influenza and COVID-19 vaccination windows wider on October 12, when people aged 70 to 74 can receive flu shots and seniors 70 and older plus immunocompromised patients can book COVID doses at participating clinics nationwide.

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency moved several autumn dates forward after influenza activity rose earlier than usual and a surveillance warning was issued in September. Children and pregnant patients have been eligible since September 21, while seniors 75 and older started flu vaccinations on October 6.

Who qualifies Monday

For flu, anyone born between January 1, 1952, and December 31, 1956, may visit contracted clinics or public health centers starting October 12. Seniors 65 to 69 follow on October 15. The agency urges patients to confirm vaccine availability by phone because not every site receives daily shipments.

For COVID-19 under the National Immunization Program, people 70 and older and immunocompromised individuals aged 12 and up may receive updated shots from October 12 through June 30, 2027. Those 65 to 69 join on October 15. Officials said flu and COVID vaccines can be administered during the same visit if injected in different arms.

Clinical context

Hospitalization data showed people 65 and older accounting for a majority of severe influenza cases in recent weeks, even though school-age children posted higher outpatient visit rates. Moving the 70-to-74 cohort forward aims to protect the age band that fills hospital beds before winter peaks.

Pharmacies near subway stations reported longer lines in Daegu and Busan after the 75-plus window opened, a pattern Seoul clinics expect to repeat Monday morning.

Practical tips

Bring identification and, for pregnant patients, documentation confirming status. Immunocompromised individuals should consult physicians before same-day dual vaccination. The agency's NIP portal lists participating sites and remaining stock where clinics report data. Missing the age-band start date does not forfeit the benefit; eligibility continues through April 30 for flu and through June for COVID under the current schedule.

Supply chain

Domestic vaccine makers said they staged additional refrigerated trucks to clinics in Gyeonggi after last week's queues, and pharmacists asked patients not to arrive before sites open to avoid crowding vulnerable seniors in chilly morning air.